FFS! What is it that people DO NOT UNDERSTAND about 67 Senate votes to Impeach!

[Caliman73]

33. I don't think it is about "understanding" about the process.

I understand your concern regarding the make up of the Senate and the highly improbable chances of removing Trump from office even if the House impeaches him. I also understand that you are likely operating under the assumption that like Bill Clinton, an impeachment without concurrent removal would increase Trump's popularity or possibly galvanize his base. Those are certainly possible events, especially because there is a whole media environment which would likely provide a narrative to the right wingers that would not be based in fact or reality.

That said, framing it as not understanding the process is somewhat insulting, which is why I think you are getting push back. The difference I think, is in how people see the politics playing out. I see the potential for both, a disastrous political turnout for Democrats in undertaking impeachment, and a potential significant issue with which to beat both Trump and the GOP over the head throughout the 2020 cycle.

It all depends on the clarity of the evidence and case laid out by the Mueller investigation and as you said, the various other "irons in the fire" that the Democrats will have over the course of the coming year. Mueller is NOT going to take Trump down. Mueller has no legal or political mechanism with which to "take Trump down". He will release his report and possibly a recommendation to impeach or not. He may lay out articles of impeachment or like in Watergate, simply lay out the case and allow the House to come that conclusion. Other than that, there isn't anything that Mueller can do to actually take Trump out of office.

My personal opinion is similar to some of the others advocating for impeachment. Impeachment "just because" is foolish, but foregoing impeachment just because of a complicit Senate will vote along party lines to block conviction, might also be seen as ethical cowardice by the House Democrats. If there is clear evidence that Trump conspired with a hostile foreign power to win the election and that he continues to have compromised positions with said government which are affecting his reactions and policies toward that government, then there is a constitutional duty to use the various powers at the House's disposal, including Impeachment to intervene in that situation.

I do agree with the idea that Democrats should be patient. We certainly need to have clear evidence of wrongdoing before any action is taken.